Macroplastics, such as bottles, bags, and disposable wrappers, are contaminating the Patagonian rivers, affecting biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide, such as drinking water, fishing, tourism, and agricultural irrigation.
Researchers from the Esquel Mountain and Patagonian Steppe Research Center (CIEMEP, CONICET – UNPSJB) conducted a study in rivers in Esquel, Trevelin, El Bolsón, Río Pico, Corcovado, and El Maitén to analyze the presence of macro, meso, and microplastics.
Key findings:
- Areas near urban developments show a higher quantity of plastics, mainly lightweight fragments, indicating an advanced process of degradation and downstream transport.
Macroplastic pollution and its effects on fauna
Researchers detected plastics accumulated in:
- Riverbank corridors and sediment on the shores.
- Fish stomachs, confirming their direct impact on the food chain.
“We found bottles and bags even in remote areas from urbanization. They mainly come from recreational activities near the rivers,” explained Sebastián Andrade, a doctoral fellow at CIEMEP.
A problem beyond visual pollution
Researcher Cecilia Di Prinzio warned about the ecological impact: “These plastics affect from microorganisms to birds and humans, it is a problem that goes beyond environmental aesthetics.”
Additionally, Dr. María Laura Miserendino emphasized the economic cost of pollution for municipalities: “This study is pioneering in the region and can help design more effective waste management strategies.”
Urgent actions for river conservation
Plastic does not disappear, but rather transforms and disperses, making it essential to:
- Raise community awareness about the environmental impact of waste.
- Implement efficient management policies to reduce pollution.
- Promote research to help protect aquatic ecosystems.
Preserving the Patagonian rivers not only ensures their biodiversity but also the well-being of the communities that depend on them.
